Written by THA SC

Vientiane, Laos, 12 November 2024 -- Since 2004, more than 1000 young people from all corners of Laos PDR (Peoples Democratic Republic) have received good preparation for their lives thanks to Don Bosco Youth Vocational Training Center in Vientiane. Due to the mutual cooperation and trust between the Lao Youth Union and the Salesian Foundation of Thailand, the unique presence of Don Bosco in this country has been developing very well. The THA province (Thailand-Cambodia-Laos) of the Salesians has generously funded the whole project.

On 8-9 November, Fr Joseph Phuoc, Regional Councillor for East Asia-Oceania, made his Extraordinary Visitation to Laos (THA), Province of St Paul. He was welcomed by the Salesians Community, staff, and students of Don Bosco Youth Vocational Training Center, Vientiane. He met with the staff, gave the 'good morning talk' to the students, and gave a 'good night talk' to the boarders. He gave words of encouragement to everyone. In addition, he also met with the Salesian Sisters who opened a vocational training center for young women.

The work of the Salesians in Laos started on 24 May 2004 under the leadership of Fr Tito Pedron and Mr. Sanya Boonprasert, a past pupil of Don Bosco Bangkok. They started by repairing small vehicles. This activity was called "Mitr Samphan". This was managed by 5 young Laotians who were past pupils of Don Bosco Technological College - Bangkok. Later, this work was expanded and became the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center at its present location. The canonical erection of the house was on 17 January 2019.

At present, the Salesian community is led by Fr Patrick Maccioni, the rector, together with four other confreres, namely, Fr Vincent Mai Anh Minh, Fr Paul Vu Van Trung, Fr John Baptist Vu Hoang Huy and Brother Nonthachai Klinmai. The Center has opened up to various skills, such as electrician, automotive repair, motorcycle repair and welding. In this first school semester of 2024, there are 46 young men. Among these are '36 boarders' with 5 Catholics among them.

Until now there is not yet any Lao Salesian of Don Bosco. Our teachers, instructors, and former students dream about the first Lao Salesian member. They wholeheartedly commit themselves to follow the path of Don Bosco!

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